Ronald Araújo of FC Barcelona
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Barcelona’s planning for next season is closely tied to the situation of Ronald Araujo, and a recent report from Mundo Deportivo has shed important light on how decisive his recovery could be.
Internally, the message is clear that if Araujo returns properly and is able to play normally for the remainder of the season, Barça will not move for a top-level, high-cost centre-back in the transfer market.
Instead, the club would shift its focus towards signing a young, left-sided central defender with very high potential.
This would allow Barcelona to strengthen the squad in a more sustainable way, without committing to a major financial outlay at a time when economic balance remains a priority.
At present, Barcelona have not set a defined timeline for Araujo’s return. Even so, the club continue to count on him fully as part of the project.
Bringing the Uruguayan back is considered the ideal outcome, not only for sporting reasons, but also for what he represents inside the dressing room.
There is also a financial angle that cannot be ignored. If Araujo can re-establish himself, Barcelona would avoid the need to invest heavily in a new defensive leader.
Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona with Hansi Flick
Ronald Araujo’s return is still uncertain. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
However, the situation is far from straightforward. Unlike muscle or ligament injuries, where recovery timelines are usually clearer, this case involves mental well-being.
That makes forecasting far more complex. Within the club, there is an understanding that issues affecting the psyche are unpredictable, both in terms of recovery and the risk of relapse.
As a result, speculation around exact return dates is being avoided.
Despite this uncertainty, Barcelona remain hopeful. In the most optimistic scenario, where Araujo regains full confidence and consistency, the club’s transfer strategy would change significantly.
Rather than signing a ready-made starter, Barça would look for a young centre-back who can grow within the system.
In that context, we have reported before that Barcelona are also tracking defenders who operate under the radar.
These are profiles with less fame and recognition than elite names like Josko Gvardiol or Alessandro Bastoni, and crucially, ones that would not require a massive investment.
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